Rants, Raves & Views

A recent study that surfaced on Re/code claims that up to 66% of players ditch the games they've downloaded after just one day. ONE DAY. I don't know about you, but I think that's an awfully high number. Perhaps they were playing the wrong games?

In an attempt to numb this figure, here's a list of some great iOS games that you can download right now for free. Remember, patience is a virtue.

1. Only One

Only One is an 8-bit styled hack and slash platformer. Players must attempt to survive for as long as they can while waves of enemies spawn around the circular platform upon which the fighting takes place. Players can gather power from fallen enemies, and as their survival time increases, will be able to unlock special abilities that give them the upper hand.

The contrasting abilities of enemies will make you give more thought to your seemingly mindless killing spree, instead forcing you to make more tactical decisions. If you enjoy slicing through waves of enemies then this game is definitely for you. (Oh, and if you die, just imagine the little man you were controlling is King Joffery Baratheon).

2. Smash Hit

Smash Hit is a beautifully simple game. It is a first-person shooter that has players shoot metal balls at fragile glass objects as they move through different levels. As objects appear in your path, players must shoot them down. Failure to do so will lead to a game over.

It may sound completely uninviting, but I assure, if you were told a few months back that one of the biggest games this year involved navigating a small bird through some green pipes, you would probably be on the floor laughing. The melancholy music is eerie, yet enticing and gradient textures give the game a stunning look and feel. If you're looking for a simple game to play on the fly, you should give Smash Hit a go.

3. Jump! Chump!

Here's another simple, but addicting game you may or may not get arthritis from. Jump! Chump! has players control Jump and Chump, two little squares that lie either side of a horizontal line. The aim of the game is to survive for as long as you can while pressing either above or below the line to make Jump and Chump hop over waves of incoming 'evil' squares.

Although it may look surprisingly easy, incoming squares come at you from different sides depending on which side of the line you are. After a couple of tries I was able to last about 50 seconds. Think you can do better? Download the game on iOS and tweet me your high score. That is, if you dare.

4. Letter Quest: Grimm's Journey

This is an interesting game that combines a host of genres into one. Letter Quest: Grimm's Journey is a Scrabble-type game that also has elements of an 'endless runner' and an RPG. Players must move Grimm through side-scrolling levels by making words from a block of letters at the bottom of the screen. The larger the word you make, the most damage you will inflict. Players can buy power-ups as well as level up their attack and defense.

There are a lot of levels for you to get stuck into, and the gameplay is somewhat addictive. If you're looking for an interesting take on word-puzzle games, then definitely give this a try.

5. Trials Frontier

Trials has finally made its way to iOS. After coming to PC and Xbox, some gamers will be familiar with the game and its dynamics. For those of you who are unsure, Trials Frontier is a 2.5D platformer where players control a biker's speed and balance while navigating through a track filled with jumps, loops, obstacles and more. The goal is to simply get from one end of the track to the other.

Rather than being just a stage-based game, Trials Frontier actually features a story. This allows for mission-based gameplay and adds some structure to the game. Players can also upgrade their bike, and will need to refuel it to be able to play more stages. The graphics are well rendered and the cartoonish effect makes it more playful, which seems to work well on iOS.

If you're keen on testing your balancing skills, this recently released game is a must for you. Download it on iOS.

And that's it, folks. We hope you enjoy the games. Let us know which games you download by tweeting us @PhonicaMagUK.